Today@Sam Article

Drew Miller Nationally Recognized For Contributions To Higher Education

Nov. 23, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Drew Miller, associate vice president for Student Affairs at Sam Houston State University, was recently honored by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). The ACPA, located in Washington, D.C. at the National Center for Higher Education, has named Miller a 2021 Diamond Honoree for his outstanding and sustained contributions to higher education and student affairs.

“In my mind I have always seen these honorees as thought leaders, and it is exciting every year to see who they are announcing. So, when I was nominated, I thought surely this is an error,” Miller said. “I am surprised, grateful, humbled and honored by the experience. It is very motivating and has reenergized me to take this and do more for SHSU.”

Miller leads the Division of Student Affairs efforts to support student health and wellness, accessibility resources, and assessment. He is also a member of the COVID-19 work group at SHSU and updates the campus with weekly newsletters to provide information and resources available to SHSU students, faculty, and staff.

“It is an incredible honor to be trusted with something like that at a time when people are scared and confused about all the information we have received over the last year and a half,” Miller said. “The work group reaffirms what an amazing community we have at Sam Houston State, because every single person in that group is committed to getting it right, doing right by all Bearkats and keeping them safe. I am very grateful to Dr. White and the work group for their endless, tireless efforts.”

Frank Parker, vice president of Student Affairs, says Miller is a key part of campus leadership and deserving of this award.

“Dr. Miller is truly an outstanding individual that has made many great contributions to our university, students, faculty and staff,” Parker said. “He is vibrant, energetic and knows how to communicate across all demographics. We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to the innovative and outstanding program support in the future.”

The ACPA Foundation established the Diamond Honoree Program in 1999. Through this program they recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to ACPA, student affairs and services, and higher education. Diamond Honorees receive their award at the ACPA Annual Convention.

Beyond ACPA, Miller is actively involved with organizations that promote college student mental health and promote racial and social justice within higher education. He is a past president of the Texas University Counseling Center Director’s Association and has provided testimony to the Texas legislature on the mental health needs of underserved college students in the state. Miller is a frequent presenter at national conferences on topics such as pursuing social justice work in conservative academic environments, emerging trends in college student mental health, and decolonizing health and wellness services.

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